The Swimming Axehead

I wish to start this by saying that nothing I write today is meant to instill fear or panic.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Next, I want to thank my dear friend and one-time pastor, Bro Eddie Tilley, for the daily devotional he’s been giving on Facebook. Thursday’s message was on the subject of Watchman, and it was most timely, and I believe prophetic.

Before I get booted from the planet, I want to be abundantly clear that the following is the opinion of Thurman Gregory Fee and is not based on the knowledge of anything that can be proven.  It is merely an opinion, with a measure of unction from the Holy Ghost.

As I watch events unfold around the world and continue to see things not adding up, I can’t help but question. No, I do not trust governments, any of them.  Not the WHO, not the CDC, and not the UN.
I believe there’s an agenda in all this. Though aspects of it are indeed real, that it is a fabricated catastrophe. I believe the size and reach of this “pandemic” and the number of deaths were intended to be much more significant. It’s my opinion that God metered the impact, and strengthened our immunity or lessened the strength of the virus to suit His will.
This has allowed us, if we care to, to see behind the curtain and get a glimpse of the intention of the originators of this pandemic and to realize its purpose.
Will their plans succeed this time? Literally, only God knows.
Even now, I believe that dark forces scramble to sow fear and discord. They try to capitalize on every death, to pad the numbers to increase the size and length of their control.
Regardless of the intent or the outcome or even the purpose, God is calling His church and His Ministers to step up, to stand up, to be the Watchman on the wall.
I’ve been in the ministry for 30 years, and I’ve never felt what I feel in my spirit today. I’ve never felt the urgency in the spirit that I feel within me now.

Yesterday as I sit in a public place praying behind my required face mask, I was overcome by a deep stirring in my spirit; the words “Loose Ends” came into my mind. I believe that God spoke those words into my heart as a way of saying that He is tying up Loose Ends.
All that hinders Him now is a few Loose Ends, nothing that really hinders His return, just some last chances if you will. One more stirring, one more tug.
Once those are tied up, the church age will come to an end.
Like Brother Tilley, I believe what we do in these next days, even hours, could be the difference between Heaven and Hell for a lot of our family, friends, and strangers alike.
God is using this to spread the Gospel in ways it’s never been. People are hearing a message of truth and hope in many cases for the first time. Our prayers, outreach, care, concern, and Love are God’s arm for reaching the lost.
He has brought us outside the walls of our sanctuaries, from under the shadow of our steppel, and has placed His Word where He’s always intended it to be and for the first time, for many people.
I know I get to hear more good preaching right now than I ever have on foreign assignment.  And I know that others are as well.
If this passes and we get back to a reasonable semblance of day to day life, we must keep this fire alive, this burden strong, and the word flowing forth. Time is short.

To the church, I say preach it, spread it, shout it from the rooftops like never before. Be not weary, be not afraid. Watch and wait and keep the lamps trimmed and burning.

If you can consider yourself, in any fashion, one of God’s Loose Ends, do not delay.
Repent, be baptized in His Name, and receive ye the Gift of the Holy Ghost while it is yet day.

I Love You all and pray that you are blessed by these words.
Greg

In a side note,
I want to congratulate My friend Pastor Roger Herrington and his Bride, Sister Kim Herrington on their recent appointment as Pastor and First Lady of Burr Ferry Pentecostal Church. We pretty much grew up together in that church, as young men, then young ministers. It was in the old building on the hilltop back then. Shouting, singing, praising, and passing each other on the wrong side of the road.
I look forward to the great testimonies from a great church.

I remember, as a child, my Momma reading Bible stories out of the old family Bible.
Most of my childhood, we had a round coffee table in our living room that had a bearskin draped across it. And for at least part of my life, that big ol’ Bible rested in the center of the table, on top of that bearskin rug.
If my memory is correct, that Bible had some of the coolest pictures in it as well. The vivid recreation of Bible stories more like a memory than an imagination.
One of those pictures was of Daniel in the lion’s den. The detail in that painting was phenomenal. Daniel standing, looking into the light, with his back to the lions
That painting, as I recently discovered, was the work of Briton Rivière.
The den represented wasn’t what I would have imagined, it was more like a room, a cage, or a prison cell than a wild animal habitat.
The message, though, the determination on Daniel’s face, the hungry lions pacing behind him as if separated by an invisible force or barrier, speaks to the resolve and faith taken to live for God in a world that has turned it’s back on Him. A world that wishes to see God’s people fail.

I had such a wonderful childhood, my parents loved me, my Momma made sure I was exposed to the glorious light of God’s word. It was continually preached, spoken, and lived in front of my eyes.
I had no idea of the battles being fought, the prayers being prayed, or the price being paid for my safety and salvation.  A price that I reap the benefits of today.

When I saw that painting a few days ago, a rush of emotions flooded in. Of my childhood, sitting around that bearskin covered table hearing those stories, seeing them unfold upon the screen of my imagination.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

When I think of what it was like for Daniels and so many others in scripture, I often insert myself in their story. Either standing in the shadows or joining in the fight.  I like to think that I’d be on the side of Right and see God’s miraculous work accomplished before my eyes.  But I’m not always pleased with my own performance in the hard times of my own life. In hindsight, I often wish I’d done things differently or been bolder.

I’m not Daniel, David, Shadrach Meshach, or Abednego. I’m not in the old testament. I’m here, now, living the life that God has given me to live. A good life, a life that has been blessed, blessed with love and peace and miracles and joy.  My battles, to this point, have not included a physical giant, or an actual lion’s den, or fiery furnace. My life has, along with all its blessing, had some trials, some loss, some disappointments. It has also, overwhelmingly, been worth every minute!

As we are traveling in uncharted territory right now, as a planet, I want to remind us of a few things.  History is full of people who thought it was their calling to destroy God.  Even the Apostle Paul started out thinking to destroy the Christian movement and get things back the way they were. Those people had no power, except what God gave them. They have all failed. They are gone, God is here.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever” as Hebrews 13:8 tells us.
In the natural, it seems we are in a bad spot. Just as all the naysayers and detractors thought that it was surely curtains for Daniel, the enemy sees the church shut down, Christians scattered, believe that God is destroyed and think they’ve won.  Every battle of yesterday belongs to God; it is passed and gone.  Those of today are God’s, not mine.  Now know this, the battles of tomorrow are already His as well. When they arise, it doesn’t catch God off-guard, it doesn’t surprise Him.  Those trials and battles that we’ll be surprised by are already God’s possessions.
God is in control, and we are where we are for a reason.  Again, let me remind us that revival is often the greatest in the midst of persecution. Souls are saved from the pits of hell when the flames of hell seem at their hottest!

As I look into the faces of those around me, I see fear, confusion, doubt, despair, and panic. God didn’t give us that spirit.  He gives us, according to 2nd Timothy 1:7 Power and Love and a Sound Mind.

So, find that picture of Daniel looking toward God with his back to the problem. Remember where all power comes from, Who is in control, regardless of how bad it seems. Find a place to talk to Him and Listen to Him. Then Trust the Only One worthy of praise and worship, for He IS, and He IS in Control!

That Bear Skin reminds me of David’s testimony before King Saul. The Lions Den shows me that God is in control of past, present and future.
He’s forever been God, He’ll Forever Be God and of that I am Certain.

God Bless You Richly,
Greg

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
I Corinthians 13:12

The older I get, the more I realize how little I actually understand completely. I learn things almost daily that confirm that God is in Complete Control, that I am NOT, and that my hope is in trusting in God’s plan, even when I don’t understand! Especially when I don’t understand!

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Timothy 3:16

God uses people, sometimes the most unlikely people, in ways that we can’t explain or understand. Let Him! Don’t be so sanctimonious that you won’t let God be God, just because it doesn’t fit inside the box of your understanding. God will not contradict His Word, the Bible. Beyond that, He is Limitless.

God closed the mouths of lions, protected three Hebrew Boys from the fire, rolled back the waters of the red sea and the chilly Jordan, brought forth plagues, used ravens to feed the prophet, made an ax head swim, a donkey talk and on and on and on, for His people in situations. I believe it’s safe to say that we all have situations.

Never, ever try to write the ending to the story, let the Master finish what He started. Stop trying to finish His sentences and leave the pen in His hand.

God Bless you, richly!
Greg

Here’s a short thought that I’ve had on my mind for a few days.  In the past few months, I’ve listened to several messages, out of conferences and different special services.  It struck me that of those three or four messages, the prevailing theme was submitting to your pastor. I don’t want to come across as bashing pastors or saints for that matter.  The Bible is clear that we must have a pastor, and we must submit to the preached word of that pastor.
Paul said, follow me as I follow Christ.

I’ve said this before, but I’ve had some great pastors, I’ve also sat under men that were insecure and felt the need to continually point out that they are the pastor.  If I’m a member of a church, I know who the pastor is.  I want the Preached Word, whatsoever the Spirit saith through the message.  I want to know that the word coming over that sacred desk is flowing from the Throne of God.  If that message is submission, then so be it. If its tithing, prayer, the plan of salvation, the Red Words of Jesus, or whatsoever the Spirit says, that’s what we need and what my Spirit craves.

Consider this.

A Momma bird’s job is to teach her babies to fly.
The goal being to get the babies grown into functional members of the flock, and out doing bird stuff in the real world.  Not how to set in the nest or who their Momma is.
Most of the babies would set there with their beaks open as long as their Mom continues to coddle and feed them baby food.
So momma birds feed and watch, and when the time is right, she pushes them out of the nest, forcing them to fly.

Like a Momma Bird, our church leaders and our services should push us.
Church services are not the goal, they are school.
They should be training us, pushing us to fly, to go out in the real world and do Church stuff.  To be reaching for lost souls, living a life that’ll shine a light outside the walls of the church house.
Unless we are pushed, most of us will not fly or even move. Some won’t move even when pushed.

Is church merely a social gathering? Is it three songs, a prayer, and a message about love. Or does it prepare you, excite you, push you? If it doesn’t, what does it profit?
If we are not excited if our church is not spilling over into every moment of our lives, are we really living?

Just a Thought!
God Bless You Richly
Greg

Heres a little poem I wrote some time ago. I titled it Abandon Ship. Hope you enjoy!

I don’t know why you’re on the ship,
or where you planned to go
How comfortable your cabin is,
or who you think you know.
My job here is quite simple,
to spread the message far,
To tell the ship is sinking
And where the lifeboats are.

Your comfort is of small concern
Your happiness must wait
Cause once the sinkings over
The message is too late
So heed the call “Abandon Ship”
Be quick now, and don’t falter,
Jesus is your lifeboat
Your station is the alter.

God Bless you richly!

Greg

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. 2 Timothy 4:10
I’ve been intrigued by the story of Demas most of my Christian life.  Not to the point of digging very deep into it, but more like, every time I hear or read that scripture, I pause and wonder a little.  A few days ago, it struck me how personally Paul took it.  He didn’t say Demas has forsaken God, it was personal. “Demas hath forsaken me.”

But then, we do personally invest in our brothers and sisters in Christ, or we should.  Have you ever felt like another Christian has forsaken you?  Have you ever been astonished and heartbroken by finding that someone in your church or someone you had confidence in had fallen into a backsliden state?
I know I have!
I’ve had friends, from the pulpit to the back door, seemingly fall between Sunday and Wednesday.  Singing God’s praise on Sunday and emersed in a sinful life by Friday night.
When that happens, does it happen instantly as it appears on the surface? Did Demas lose out in a moment?
I don’t believe so, just like l don’t believe it happened in so quickly with the friends that I mentioned before.

I’ve come to realize that there are two aspects to this, perspectives, so to speak.
I’m not amazed that people fall or fail God, only saddened.
People fall, we all fall to one degree are another. We are, after all, glorified mud balls and born and shapen in sin.
The outcome is predicated on how we act or react to overcome the fall. 

My first question is, How Could This Happen.
For the answer, I only have to look at myself.

It doesn’t happen from Sunday to Wednesday! It is only made manifest in that short time frame.
For one thing, you can only lose something that you actually have.
If you neglect your relationship with God, it can become cold and stale.
Just like a marriage that’s neglected, it happens over time.
You stop sharing everything, then you stop sharing most things, then you stop sharing anything. Little by little, you lose your first love. Then become distracted, and little by little, you start secretly dabbling in things that are not good for the relationship.

Hebrews 12:1 talks about laying aside “every weight and the sin.”
We start on the journey backward by neglecting our Bridegroom, then we start flirting with the weights. It’s not sin, so what will it hurt. But they are weights or burdens that only further decreases our ability to be faithful to our God. They distract and keep us preoccupied and open the door for sin to sneak back in.
Then on a Sunday night, after days, weeks, or months of neglecting Jesus, while pretending to worship or while sitting at home looking for an excuse to not go to church, the devil convinces you that you never really had anything and you’re a hypocrite for pretending. You foolishly listen, and off you go, surprising everyone but you.

To avoid this, we have to develop an abiding love and dedication to Jesus Christ. Crucifying the flesh daily and refusing to compromise on the things of God. Prayer, fasting and studying God’s word.
I know that life is complicated, bad things happen, and some things can’t be explained.
Not trying to oversimplify it, but it does come down to a stubborn, determination and unyielding faithfulness even through the bad times, especially through the bad times.

My second thought is how the church, the bride, the body of Christ is so easily beguiled.
This one is a little more difficult to understand. I don’t want you to think that I’m down on everyone. There are many good, Godly people, walking right, talking right, and in tune with the Spirit.

In my opinion, there are a few reasons why we (The Church) miss the signs, and likewise the opportunities to help early in the decline.
One reason, we are self-absorbed and not paying attention to our brothers and sisters. Our problems are the only ones that we focus on.
Second, we are conditioned to look at the outside. If they appear to have it together, we assume they do.
That’s where we run off the tracks.
While I do believe the Spirit of God living within us will manifest Itself on the outside.
Our eyes or sight, more specifically, is one of our five basic senses. It is not x-ray vision, its only surface or superficial vision.
I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Just like a photograph doesn’t tell the store of what going on around the subject, our sight only sees what it sees, not what’s inside.
Jesus told the Pharisees that they were like unto whited sepulchers or tombs.
That outwardly, they “appeared” beautiful, but the inside was full of “dead men’s bones.”

In our natural bodies, if we have a toothache or earache, every inch of our body knows it and feels it. If something is off in one part of the body, the whole body knows it and tries to fix it.

Likewise, in the Body of Christ, shouldn’t our spiritual needs be connected. Shouldn’t we, if we are Of the Body, be sensitive to the other parts Of the Body?

I do realize that as a flawed creature, I miss things. I’m not always as sensitive as I should be. Sometimes I get detracted by the ringing in my ears and don’t hear what the Spirit saith and I’m sure I’m not alone.
But, but, as in a natural body, the ears are not alone. When the ear is distracted, surely the hand or the heart will take notice. Are we not in this together, for our individual and our collective salvation.

So, that, to me, is where we/I fall short. I get used to using the outside as a gauge for the spiritual wellbeing of others and missing opportunities to lift up a sister or brother.

And while I believe that a Godly person will be modest in appearance, appearance is not a reliable test of spirituality.

Trusting everyone that looks “Holy” probably says more about my Spirit than it does about theirs.

A friend told me a few days ago that “The Holy Ghost is a Lie Detector.”
Not just a lie detector but so much more than that.
For a lie detector to work, it has to be connected to the power source. It has to be connected to the person suspected of lying, and the technician has to understand the information being relayed by the machine.
Likewise, to be an effective Saint of God and a Minister to our calling, we must be connected to the Power, and have an Ear to Hear what the Spirit is saying, then the Spirit can and will use us to speak answers to others.

The Bible is our ultimate Guide, the true Spirit will NEVER contradict the Word of God.
God is in control, trust in Him.

I’m aware that there are a lot more questions and answers to be had on this subject, but I hope that it will make us think. I also hope that the thinking will lead to digging into the word of God and to digging deeper into the Spirit.

Be Blessed,
Greg